England’s Euro 2016 started in familiar bitter-sweet fashion after a late injury time equaliser from Russia consigned them to a 1-1 draw in Marseille.
Both the build up to the match and what followed was marred by ugly scenes as brawls broke out between the two sets of fans outside the ground. From kick off, England attacked their counter parts with verve and saw Dele Alli come close with a third minute volley from outside the box.
A little later on Adam Lallana come even closer when his fizzing volley was comfortably dealt with by Russian keeper, Igor Akinfeev.
Indeed the two chances set the tone for the rest of the game, ie England looking comfortable in attack however lacking that incisive edge.
Indeed every area of the pitch looked vastly improved compared to limp previous tournament displays, Kyle Walker looking particularly menacing down the right side, Rooney looked sharp in a deeper midfield role and England’s centre half pairing had little to contend with.
That is of course until a last gasp capitulation of course.
Russia came out of the break the better team, putting some early pressure on Hodgson’s side and forcing them to make a desperate clearance in the 48th minute.
With it looking as if Russia might actually eek out a clean sheet, Eric Dier of all people stepped up to give England the lead with a fine free-kick. The relief in the ground was palpable, with even many of the players possibly losing faith that the ball would ever cross the line.
England could not hold on to the lead however, as a looping header Vasili Berezutski slowly made its way over a poorly positioned Joe Hart to send the Russian’s into absolute raptures in the 92nd minute.
Whilst the manner of the draw was akin to a broad-daylight mugging for many, England undeniably have plenty to feel confident about in the proceeding matches against Wales and Slovakia, onward and upwards.